-2019 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2019 Draft Kit
The Ravens DST was the second-best in Fantasy last year, but a number of key departures might keep them from returning to fine Fantasy form this year. Of the 43 sacks they had in 2018, 17 were made by players who are no longer on the team (namely Za'Darius Smith and Terrell Suggs). And speaking of players no longer on the team, top-tackler C.J. Mosley and safety Eric Weddle have also departed. The Ravens did make a big move by adding free agent safety Earl Thomas, but their front seven has a lot of questions in terms of pass rush and run stopping. The timing is tough since Baltimore is seeing Cleveland become an offensive powerhouse while Pittsburgh and Cincinnati will return solid offenses. The Ravens will also take on the Patriots, Texans, Rams, Seahawks and Chiefs (those last three on the road). If someone else in your league takes the Ravens DST soon after the Bears get picked, thank them. They're worth drafting, but not until the final two rounds.
The Panthers DST has a lot to overcome to return to Fantasy greatness. After notching just 35 sacks (sixth-fewest) and 22 takeaways in 2018, Carolina's unit must improve at getting after the quarterback while still being solid at containing the run. That'll be tough to do after losing linebacker Thomas Davis and pass rushing legend Julius Peppers. Mario Addison (nine sacks last year) and Efe Obada (two sacks) are expected to generate the most pass rush, but if they don't get help it won't matter too much. Their secondary depth is also an issue. Ultimately, playing against the Saints, Falcons and Buccaneers twice each leads to points allowed, and matchups against the Rams, Seahawks, Packers, Texans and Colts won't be easy. Luke Kuechly can't do it all for the Cats. Leave them undrafted.
There are plenty of reasons to buy into the Packers DST as a sleeper unit in 2019. Keeping play-caller Mike Pettine despite changing head coaches this offseason is a plus, but the addition of edge defenders Za'Darius Smith and Preston Brown along with ex-Bears safety Adrian Amos should pump some new life into the unit. They'll join a group of up-and-coming rushers like Kyler Fackrell and Kenny Clark as well as young cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King. Last year, the Packers had just seven interceptions and 15 total takeaways, but the potential is there for those numbers to rise. If you like the way the Packers season starts, give them a whirl with a final-round pick.